Hampshire in Germany

Program Details

Location: Berlin, Germany
Term: Feb-July; every other spring semester (2019, 2021, etc.)
Type of Program: Hampshire signature, faculty-led
Partner Institution: Free University of Berlin 
Language of Instruction: German and English
Fields of Study: Most subjects in the arts, humanities, social sciences. Recent participants have studied architecture and urban design, philosophy, art, history, Jewish studies, gender studies, journalism, and literature.
Prerequisites: Intermediate German language skills (a minimum of three semesters of college-level German is recommended); Students are also highly encouraged to enroll in the preparatory course on Berlin the preceding fall semester (Berlin, Berlin! History, Art, and Culture CSI-0255).

About the Program

From February through July, Hampshire College offers a group of students the opportunity to live and study in Berlin, which is today one of the most vibrant cultural centers in Europe and one of the global hubs of contemporary art. 

The Berlin program is appropriate for students studying across most disciplines, providing them the opportunity to develop their own programs of study to include German language; courses at leading German universities; a seminar on historical and contemporary issues in German arts and society; and the option of arranging an internship or independent project if they choose.

Academics

This program offers students the unique opportunity to develop their own courses of study while being affiliated with leading German universities. Students will have the opportunity to study at the following prestigious institutions of higher education in Berlin during the spring semester, from its beginning in April through July.

The Free University of Berlin
The Humboldt University in Berlin
Technical University Berlin

The program will be accompanied by the Hampshire Berlin Seminar, focusing especially on the arts and on the city as a "contact zone" shaped by its unique history as a "divided city" during the Cold War as well as by diverse currents of migration. The seminar includes historical and architectural tours of Berlin, a "postcolonial city tour," lectures, and workshops with renowned Berlin-based artists, scholars and activists; studio visits; concerts, theatre performances; and museum and gallery exhibits. 

Shortly after their arrival in January/February and before the start of the semester in the beginning of April, students enroll in an intensive German language course at a leading foreign language academy in Berlin. The Berlin Seminar and intensive language study help students assimilate the Berlin experience into their semester program by providing opportunities for more in-depth cultural integration.

In addition, academic excursions to sites in the Berlin region, Potsdam, and other German cities, as well as trips to cities in Eastern Europe, such as Prague or Warsaw, will further enrich students' perspectives.

Students interested in pursuing an internship or independent project parallel to their studies may be introduced to adequate opportunities. In order to exchange ideas and share discoveries and academic progress, students and accompanying faculty will meet regularly for individual and group meetings.

Throughout the semester students will work on individualized projects tutored by Hampshire College faculty in Berlin or by local associates. At the end of the term, students will complete a retrospective on their project and time in Berlin and submit a portfolio of their work. Students will also share their experiences with the Hampshire College community at an event the following fall semester.

Housing and Meals

Housing is arranged for students in family homestays and/or student apartments. Students receive a monthly meal stipend.

Program Costs

Hampshire Exchange Fees and Financial Aid provides detailed information on the fee policy, withdrawal policy and how financial aid may apply.

• Tuition Fees: paid to Hampshire
• Housing and Meal Fees: paid to Hampshire
• Other expenses: Students are responsible for the cost of some meals; passport and visa fees; international and local transportation including airfare; books and supplies; international health insurance; and personal expenses. Students will receive a travel stipend to offset airfare costs.

Eligibility

The Hampshire Exchange program in Berlin is open to division II and first semester division III students.

Review detailed information on eligibility requirements and policies in the Hampshire College Handbook under Exchange, Field Study, and Short-term Field Courses.

Non-Hampshire students should contact the GEO program manager.

How to Apply

1. Meet with the GEO: Students are required to meet with the GEO program manager for this exchange program before submitting an application. 
2. Review Applying to a Hampshire Exchange Program: Includes deadlines, application instructions, requirements, and procedures.
3. Apply now: Students apply online through HampGOES (Hampshire's Global Experience System).

Questions? 

Contact the GEO program manager:

Allison Kretschmar
413.559.5542
akGEO@hampshire.edu

Faculty Contacts

If you would like to learn more about the academic content and options for the Berlin program, please contact one of these faculty members:

Jeff Wallen (faculty director of 2019 program)
Professor of Comparative Literature
School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies
413.559.5428
jwallen@hampshire.edu

Daniel Kojo Schrade (previous faculty director)
Associate Professor of Art
School of Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Studies
413.559.5974
dschrade@hampshire.edu